Frequently Asked Questions

Only you and your doctor can determine the correct course of treatment for you and your condition. Surgery should be the last step and should be considered when other alternatives have proven ineffective and, when foot pain significantly impacts the activity and quality of your life.

Surgical correction of bunions seeks to address the underlying structural causes of bunions, and is often very successful. However, bunions may return after surgery. To reduce the risk of recurrence, comply fully with all of your doctor’s recovery instructions.

Your expectations may influence your satisfaction with the surgery. However, since a PROstep™ surgery is minimally invasive, scars are typically significantly smaller than a comparable open procedure. Discuss your expectations with your doctor.

Depending on the procedure you receive, flexibility of your big toe joint may either increase or decrease. PROstep™ is designed to be “extra-articular”, meaning the procedure typically does not violate the joint, which may result in more initial flexibility and greater range of motion. Discuss your expectations with your doctor to determine which type of bunion surgery is right for you.

PROstep™ typically will have you active faster than a comparable open procedure.1,3 Typically, patients are weight bearing immediately after surgery in a rigid flat orthopedic shoe.2 However, it is very important that you fully comply with your doctor’s recovery instructions.

PROstep™ typically has the patient return to regular shoe use faster than an open procedure.3 Typically, at 6 weeks, if x-rays show signs of bony union, patients are allowed full weight bearing in normal shoes.2 Again, your doctor will provide you with recovery instructions to ensure optimal healing.

Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery. Ask your doctor if foot surgery is right for you.